What is Star Office and Where do I get it?

Star Office is a complete office suite just like Microsoft Office, Lotus Office, and Corel Office. Like these other office suites, Star Office is a full feature office suite which includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, calendar, e-mail, graphics program, database and math formula software. The difference between Star Office and these others is not so much a matter of functionality as of price. Star Office is a much cheaper alternative and there is even a free version available called OpenOffice.

Star Office/Open Office can process .doc, .xls, and .ppt files created by Microsoft Office and can also create files in these formats which can be read by Microsoft Office. In other words, Star Office/Open Office (unlike Lotus Office and Corel Office) is as compatible as it can be with Microsoft Office. Star Office/Open Office also runs on several different operating systems including Windows, Linux, and Solaris. Version 5.1 was the last to support OS/2. A Mac version is in development.

You can obtain a copy of Open Office free on the cover CD of many PC magazines or, if you can't find it on a magazine, you can download it directly from OpenOffice.org. Alternatively, if you prefer to pay for a version where you get support for the product then visit Sun Microsystems. Both websites also has a lot more information about the features of Star Office/Open Office and how to install it.

There is also a user group to provide further support for people using this office suite.